James Clerk Maxwell in Galloway

13 June 2006

James Clerk Maxwell

in Galloway

In Edinburgh this year there have been a number of events to celebrate the work of James Clerk Maxwell, but Maxwell regarded Galloway as his home and now it is Galloway’s turn. He is our most famous scientist and yet he is hardly known, not only in Scotland and the UK as a whole, but even in Galloway. He ranks as one of the greatest, some think the greatest, of the world’s scientists of the 19th century. He was born in Edinburgh in 1831 but he moved to the family home, Glenlair, near the village of Corsock in Galloway, at the age of two. From then on he regarded Galloway as his home, no matter where he actually worked — Aberdeen, London and Cambridge including the Cavendish Laboratory, which he designed and supervised. He was an elder of the kirk in the village of Corsock church and was buried in the churchyard in Parton in 1879. The year of his death was also the year of Einstein’s birth. Einstein, in his own research, frequently acknowledged that he stood on the shoulders of James Clerk Maxwell. Our daily lives are strongly influenced by Maxwell’s discoveries. Those in relation to the electromagnetic field, and the mathematical equations he devised to describe it, bring us radio and TV, radar, mobile phones, safe aircraft flight and space travel. He was the first to produce a colour photograph, and colour TV still works on his colour principle. Physicists and engineers acknowledge that his work underlies the development of their own sciences.

June 13th this year is the 175th anniversary of Maxwell’s birth. During that week (11th — 18th June) but particularly on the 13th, there will be a number of celebratory events held at the Baron’s Craig Hotel in the village of Rockcliffe on the Colvend coast of Galloway.

The programme on Tuesday 13^th, Maxwell’s actual birthday, will commence with coffee at around 10.30 am. This will be followed by an illustrated talk by Basil Mahon, the author of the well known book on Maxwell’s life, ‘The Man who Changed Everything’. Basil Mahon is prepared to sign copies of his book which will be on sale.

After lunch in the hotel, trips have been arranged, first to the village of Parton (courtesy of Sam Callander) and then to Maxwell’s home at Glenlair (courtesy of Captain Duncan Ferguson RN retired and The Glenlair Trust). Then returning to the hotel.

In the early evening there will be a recital of works written by Sir John Clerk, the great great grandfather of James Clerk Maxwell. Played By a group of musicians from Edinburgh

Confirmed musicians are:

Soloist: Francis Cooper

First Violin: Hector Scott

Second Violin: Aliastair Hardie

Cello: TBC

Harpsichord: Ruaraidh Sutherland

After time for aperitifs, the celebratory dinner will be held, during which, between courses, anecdotes relating to James Clerk Maxwell will be described by Professor Sir Graham Hills.

After the dinner, from about 9.00 pm, an illustrated talk entitled ‘James Clerk Maxwell and the Democratic Intellect’ will be given by Professor Iain MacLeod.

The cost for the whole day’s events on the Tuesday, including the celebratory dinner, is £50.00 per person.

For the evening only (recital, dinner and evening talk) the cost is £35.00 per person.

For the morning talk and the trips to Parton and Glenlair, the cost is £15.00 per person (Buffet lunch included).

The number of places for dining is limited and attendance at the dinner and for those wishing to stay overnight in the hotel will be on a first come first served basis.

Amongst other events on other days, it is hoped to arrange a private visit to the Garden of Cosmic Speculation at Holy wood, owned by the world famous architect and author, Charles Jencks, and a talk in the hotel by Sam Callander on the life and times of James Clerk Maxwell in Galloway.

We are looking for support for 3 PhD students (one in Physics, one in Electrical Engineering and one in Civil Engineering) to enable them to attend the celebration. The awards would be to cover travel, overnight accommodation and attendance at the dinner and other events. Amounts of £200 for each student are sought.

Tickets available from the Rockcliffe GAllery.

Morning talk, Parton & Glenlair visit £15.00

Evening Meal & Recital £35.00

All day inclusive £50.00

Please come to some or all of the events and thereby help to put James Clerk Maxwell on our Galloway map. Updated information about the program will become available on Baron's Craig Web Site ( www.baronscraighotel.co.uk ) additional information on James Clerk Maxwell can be found on the following links www.maxwellyear2006.org , www.clerkmaxwellfoundation.org and www.glenlair.org.uk

Baron’s Craig Hotel and Rockcliffe Gallery, Rockcliffe DG5 4QF.

Tel: 01556 630475. FAX: 01556 630328.